For most people, music is one of the most important things in life. It can inspire you, fill you with joy or even make you cry. But different music affects us all in different ways. Each week, I interview one of our writers or editors about the impact music has had on their life. This week, I talk to Kettle writer Francesca Poggi about her life in music.
Describe your taste in music in three words.
Different, dark, quirky.
What’s your favourite musical genre?
I don’t have one favourite musical genre, I go with the flow and with whatever I like in that particular time period.
Your favourite band or artist?
Probably Fall Out Boy.
What was the first album you ever bought?
I don’t know. When I was younger and back in Italy I listened to Italian music, so it’s probably one of the artists I liked at the time.
First gig you went to?
Take That in 1994. Back then I was seriously into boybands, so it was like I’d won the lottery.
What was the last song you listened to?
‘Uptown Funk’ by Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars.
Which musicians do you admire?
I don’t know. I generally admire musicians who have intelligent hiatus periods of musical growth. Fall Out Boy and Disturbed are just a couple of examples.
What’s your opinion on music videos?
I can only say they’re not what they used to be anymore.
In your opinion, what’s the most annoying song of all time?
Uhm… I’d have to say ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams. I mean, it’s a great song and I loved it on Despicable Me 2, but my neighbours used to play it so loud all the time that now I hate it.
Who do you think is the most overrated band out there?
One Direction.
Where do you find new music?
Usually on Spotify or YouTube.
Do you play any instruments?
No. I used to play piano when I was a kid, but I outgrew that.
Rock or pop?
Pop Rock 😀
Classical or heavy metal?
Neither.
What song always makes you cry?
I cry more over movies rather than songs, but ‘Yours’ by Ella Henderson makes me teary because it reminds me of a very dramatic and emotional death scene in Hollyoaks, and this song was playing.
What is your musical guilty pleasure?
Right now? Gah, I would have to say a comedy band called Ninja Sex Party. Their lyrics are way too explicit, but they’re so funny and since I discovered them, I can’t listen to anything else.
What does music mean to you?
It’s something that’s accompanied me in every stage of my life, for one reason or another.
What do you love most about music?
The way it inspires me whatever I’m doing.
If you could sit down for a chat with any musician (dead or alive) – who would it be?
Definitely Linkin Park. I mean, Chester Bennington’s voice is out of this world, and Mike Shinoda raps like nobody’s business. It would be an amazing experience.
Tell us your best musical memory.
When I went to see Nickelback in 2003 (I think). I managed to elbow my way through all the people to the second row (I was in the fourth) and I got one of the guitar picks Ryan Peake (the lead guitarist) threw at the crowd. I was so proud of myself cos I caught it mid-air!
What’s your best musical memory? Tell us about your life in music in the comments below!
